Idyllic towns and villages of supreme natural beauty distinguish Anguilla. Here are 7 of them that should be included in your itinerary!
The Valley – The Lively Capital
Besides being home to all the major commodities on the island, including the airport, the vibrant capital is as charming as it can be, with its small, scenic houses, paved alleys, laid-back atmosphere, historical roots, and imposing structures like the Anguilla Wallblake House, the old cotton factory, and the Old Prison. It also captivates with its picturesque bistros, exquisite dining scene, outdoor cafes, galleries, workshops, animated nightlife, boutiques, and some of the most luxurious bayside vacation rentals and exclusive resorts on the island (mainly found in the Crocus Hill area). Whether loving watersports, sunbathing on sugary shores, swimming in crystalline waters, shopping, or enjoying life with an authentic Caribbean island flair, The Valley won’t disappoint you.
Sandy Ground Village - An All-inclusive Stop
Sitting on the waters of Road Bay (a working harbour and port and the Anguilla nightlife capital), Sandy Ground is the stretch of land spanning between the sea and the salt pond. The adorable Sandy Ground village is a beloved spot on the island for its long, curved beach and the idyllic landscape featuring a salt pond and high, impressive cliffs.
As for the beach experience, it pampers with clear-blue, calm waters, a fine sand shore, lots of iconic beach bars and restaurants, and fishermen’s boats dotting the archipelago as they come and go with (or for) the day’s catch.
Depending on when you visit this place, you could have a tranquil experience or the opposite! From boat races and music festivals to the popular Anguilla Carnival and BBQ events, you’ll have your plate full!
Things to enjoy here besides all the above? Diving, snorkelling, scuba diving, scenic roads, off-road trails, swimming, fishing, water sports, boat rides, ancient ruins, and more.
East End Village - Incredibly Enticing
This is one of the top destinations in Anguilla for hiking, trekking, cave exploration, diving, horseback riding, and adventures involving historical sites, natural parks, magnificent castles, ancient ruins, lush forests, and mountain climbing. Also referred to as East End, East End Village can send chills up and down your spine with the spellbinding beaches fringing the quaint village. The most popular ones are Shoal Bay Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, and Grand Case Beach – all captivating with their exotic appeal. That aside, East End Village is close to the island’s capital, lively night scene, and entertainment options. At the same time, it provides the privacy and serenity one may seek away from tourist-packed places like The Valley.
Shoal Bay Village - Chilled Moments by the Sea
Although not as high on the popularity scale as its other counterparts, Shoal Bay Village is a delightful dot in Anguilla, welcoming visitors with an unbeatable relaxing atmosphere and one of the most heart-stopping beaches in the Caribbean. Impressing with a 2-mile sugary shore (completely walkable from end to end) and perhaps the most transparent waters in Anguilla, it spoils travellers with a lively coast adorned with 5-star hotels, beach bars, lounge cafes, and restaurants.
But, besides soaking up some sun and swimming in the inviting waters, Shoal Bay is also a superb place to enjoy a beach massage accompanied by the sound of the waves and the cool breeze. And, if you feel like giving food to the mind and soul, the local art gallery will potentially open horizons you may never think existed!
Stoney Ground - The Beating Heart of (Evening) Anguilla
From scenic roads, walkways, and horse trails to volcanoes, bike routes, mines, and canoeing, Stoney Ground Village is your best bet if you seek adventure combined with nature-related activities and water sports. Those who stay locally can get their feet on the fine sand beach within a few minutes. The relatively secluded village has a handful of bars and restaurants, serving brilliant lunches and meals whose portions are more than just large!
As for the lifestyle, expect lots of parties on the beach (usually in the evening) adorned by the most arresting views of beautiful variations of crystalline, azure waters and a sublime landscape overall. And, if you come during August, the beach will be packed with singers, musicians, and people from across the Caribbean attending the August Monday festivals, which involve non-stop music, fun, and local dishes to be sampled! Finally, Stoney Ground is an excellent spot for easy docking and daily getaways to other Caribbean islands.
Long Bay Village - Highlighting Island-Style Life
Even though Long Bay Village is not a super popular destination in Anguilla, most visitors make it their pleasurable in-between stop when heading to prime local attractions like Maundays Bay, Anguillian Divers, and Meads Bay. Indeed, it is the perfect place to take some time out from the busy towns and the mass tourism areas and enjoy a relaxing couple of hours to share a picnic with your family, friends, or partner or take in the raw natural beauty of a place that is already magnificent as it is.
South Hill - Epitomising Luxury & Fun
Here, you will find the most elegant and chic villa rentals and seafront mansions offering a full range of amenities, such as heated private pools and ocean views. In terms of population, South Hill has as many residents as the capital, The Valley, and Stoney Ground (1500 people each).
Besides the exclusive accommodation, though, South Hill has a special way to enchant, with the Phoenix Gallery and its hyper-realistic charcoal drawings, the cute souvenir shop that looks as if it has jumped out of a cartoon story, and Anguilla Sands and Salts – a fantastic place to have a cocktail or drink. The spot is popular among locals and visitors due to its Martini Mondays, Wine Down Wednesdays, and many other events that create unforgettable experiences.
As for leisure activities, South Hill is a dreamland for windsurfers, who are welcomed with the challenge they seek the moment they step foot on the South Hill beach!
Another equally lovely place in Anguilla is North Side, which, too, has around 1500 residents and is home to boutique hotels, top-tier spas, the infamous CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa, and numerous beach resorts.
Idyllic towns and villages of supreme natural beauty distinguish Anguilla. Here are 7 of them that should be included in your itinerary!
The Valley – The Lively Capital
Besides being home to all the major commodities on the island, including the airport, the vibrant capital is as charming as it can be, with its small, scenic houses, paved alleys, laid-back atmosphere, historical roots, and imposing structures like the Anguilla Wallblake House, the old cotton factory, and the Old Prison. It also captivates with its picturesque bistros, exquisite dining scene, outdoor cafes, galleries, workshops, animated nightlife, boutiques, and some of the most luxurious bayside vacation rentals and exclusive resorts on the island (mainly found in the Crocus Hill area). Whether loving watersports, sunbathing on sugary shores, swimming in crystalline waters, shopping, or enjoying life with an authentic Caribbean island flair, The Valley won’t disappoint you.
Sandy Ground Village - An All-inclusive Stop
Sitting on the waters of Road Bay (a working harbour and port and the Anguilla nightlife capital), Sandy Ground is the stretch of land spanning between the sea and the salt pond. The adorable Sandy Ground village is a beloved spot on the island for its long, curved beach and the idyllic landscape featuring a salt pond and high, impressive cliffs.
As for the beach experience, it pampers with clear-blue, calm waters, a fine sand shore, lots of iconic beach bars and restaurants, and fishermen’s boats dotting the archipelago as they come and go with (or for) the day’s catch.
Depending on when you visit this place, you could have a tranquil experience or the opposite! From boat races and music festivals to the popular Anguilla Carnival and BBQ events, you’ll have your plate full!
Things to enjoy here besides all the above? Diving, snorkelling, scuba diving, scenic roads, off-road trails, swimming, fishing, water sports, boat rides, ancient ruins, and more.
East End Village - Incredibly Enticing
This is one of the top destinations in Anguilla for hiking, trekking, cave exploration, diving, horseback riding, and adventures involving historical sites, natural parks, magnificent castles, ancient ruins, lush forests, and mountain climbing. Also referred to as East End, East End Village can send chills up and down your spine with the spellbinding beaches fringing the quaint village. The most popular ones are Shoal Bay Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, and Grand Case Beach – all captivating with their exotic appeal. That aside, East End Village is close to the island’s capital, lively night scene, and entertainment options. At the same time, it provides the privacy and serenity one may seek away from tourist-packed places like The Valley.
Shoal Bay Village - Chilled Moments by the Sea
Although not as high on the popularity scale as its other counterparts, Shoal Bay Village is a delightful dot in Anguilla, welcoming visitors with an unbeatable relaxing atmosphere and one of the most heart-stopping beaches in the Caribbean. Impressing with a 2-mile sugary shore (completely walkable from end to end) and perhaps the most transparent waters in Anguilla, it spoils travellers with a lively coast adorned with 5-star hotels, beach bars, lounge cafes, and restaurants.
But, besides soaking up some sun and swimming in the inviting waters, Shoal Bay is also a superb place to enjoy a beach massage accompanied by the sound of the waves and the cool breeze. And, if you feel like giving food to the mind and soul, the local art gallery will potentially open horizons you may never think existed!
Stoney Ground - The Beating Heart of (Evening) Anguilla
From scenic roads, walkways, and horse trails to volcanoes, bike routes, mines, and canoeing, Stoney Ground Village is your best bet if you seek adventure combined with nature-related activities and water sports. Those who stay locally can get their feet on the fine sand beach within a few minutes. The relatively secluded village has a handful of bars and restaurants, serving brilliant lunches and meals whose portions are more than just large!
As for the lifestyle, expect lots of parties on the beach (usually in the evening) adorned by the most arresting views of beautiful variations of crystalline, azure waters and a sublime landscape overall. And, if you come during August, the beach will be packed with singers, musicians, and people from across the Caribbean attending the August Monday festivals, which involve non-stop music, fun, and local dishes to be sampled! Finally, Stoney Ground is an excellent spot for easy docking and daily getaways to other Caribbean islands.
Long Bay Village - Highlighting Island-Style Life
Even though Long Bay Village is not a super popular destination in Anguilla, most visitors make it their pleasurable in-between stop when heading to prime local attractions like Maundays Bay, Anguillian Divers, and Meads Bay. Indeed, it is the perfect place to take some time out from the busy towns and the mass tourism areas and enjoy a relaxing couple of hours to share a picnic with your family, friends, or partner or take in the raw natural beauty of a place that is already magnificent as it is.
South Hill - Epitomising Luxury & Fun
Here, you will find the most elegant and chic villa rentals and seafront mansions offering a full range of amenities, such as heated private pools and ocean views. In terms of population, South Hill has as many residents as the capital, The Valley, and Stoney Ground (1500 people each).
Besides the exclusive accommodation, though, South Hill has a special way to enchant, with the Phoenix Gallery and its hyper-realistic charcoal drawings, the cute souvenir shop that looks as if it has jumped out of a cartoon story, and Anguilla Sands and Salts – a fantastic place to have a cocktail or drink. The spot is popular among locals and visitors due to its Martini Mondays, Wine Down Wednesdays, and many other events that create unforgettable experiences.
As for leisure activities, South Hill is a dreamland for windsurfers, who are welcomed with the challenge they seek the moment they step foot on the South Hill beach!
Another equally lovely place in Anguilla is North Side, which, too, has around 1500 residents and is home to boutique hotels, top-tier spas, the infamous CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa, and numerous beach resorts.